This Is Hastings is always in search of new local eateries, and Urban BBQ is as new as they come.

Filling the large space on Robertson Street that had been vacant for some time, Urban BBQ aims to fill empty stomachs with a wild array of meaty treats … and we mean wild. The bulging menu boasts not only your standard beef and chicken options, but also gourmet wild-boar and kangaroo burgers not to mention zebra steaks!

As much as Mr Hastings wanted to tear into 6 ounces of zebra flesh, its hefty (but justified) price tag reserves this stripey steak for true kings of the jungle.

Still wishing to walk on the wild side, a gourmet kangaroo burger was requested, with a side of seasoned chips and home-made Urban BBQ sauce, with which to dip.

Arriving promptly, Mr. Hastings was fast to dig in.

Having never tried kangaroo before, it is hard to draw comparison, but as promised it had a very “meaty taste” as well as that smokey barbeque tang you’d hope for – and with a little zesty lemon and garlic dressing, it was soon to disappear … perhaps too soon.

Although delicious, the burger was a touch on the thin side – presumably this kangaroo stayed lean in life, by saving irresponsible children trapped down wells.

Arguably the best bit of the meal was the seasoned chips – with a healthy dunk into the BBQ sauce the fork was soon replaced with the fist, for faster means of consumption.

Very filling, fairly priced, friendly staff and a tasty new option for town centre diners (even if entering the flame engulfed doors feels a little less barbeque, and more “adult accessories store.”)